Hard time may be awaiting members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and other pro-Biafran groups, as the Nigerian Army has decided to stop protests that could lead to breakdown of law and order as well as threaten the nation’s sovereignty.
Daily Sun gathered that the military will soon begin a crackdown on the pro-Biafran protesters, as part of effort to end activities of IPOB and other groups. Towards this end, the Army authorities have directed General Officers Commanding (GOCs) of all its division across the country to issue a subtle warning to the agitators on the consequences of their actions and the likely penalty for such.
In this direction, the GOC, 81 Division in Lagos, Major- General Isidore Edet, in a warning to those calling for separation of some states from Nigeria, said, “committing treasonable felony and arson, as well as wanton destruction of lives and properties would not be tolerated by the Nigerian Army.”
The GOC called on the pro-Biafran agitators not to push the Army to the point of applying the full weight of the law on them, warning, “let nobody make any mistake. Within the ambit of the law, we shall apply the rules of engagement to the fullest.”
He said the 1999 Constitution provides that the Armed Forces shall suppress insurrection and act in aid of civil authority to restore order when called upon to so by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, adding that this presupposes that troops have to use necessary force to quell crisis resulting to deaths, injury and damages to properties.
Daily Sun reports that General Edet also warned officers and soldiers not to take sides in any conflict in the country; stressing that if they are found wanting, they would face the consequences of their action.
Said he: “The Nigerian Army would like to send an unequivocal warning to all and sundry, more specifically to all those threatening and agitating for the dismemberment of the country, committing treasonable felony and arson as well as wanton destruction of lives and property.
“Once deployed, we shall apply the Rules of Engagement (ROE) to the letter. It is, however, hoped that such circumstances would not arise that we should be deployed on such operations because, within the ambit of the law, we shall apply the ROE to the fullest.”
According to Daily Sun, the GOC urged soldiers not to stand and watch security deteriorates before they take action, noting, “it is the duty of an officer or soldier to ensure the enforcement of law and order in conjunction with other security agencies, troops are duty-bound to intervene in any situation to avoid a breakdown in peace and stability of an area where they are deployed.
“It is inexcusable for troops to stand aside and watch security situation deteriorate and for avoidance of doubt, the Rule of Engagement (ROE) for internal security operations include principle of minimum force and proportionality must be applied at all times.”
He highlighted others to include the use of lethal force if all other means to control the situation fail or in case of un- expected attack or suspected Improvised Explosives Device (IED) during which a delay could lead to loss of lives or serious injury to personnel.
Also, the GOC, 3 Armoured Division, Major General Hassan Umaru, has warned groups agitating for the breakup of the country and committing felony to stop forthwith from such as once the Army is deployed, it shall not hesitate to apply the ROE, which involves minimum use of force.
Speaking with journalists yesterday at the Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Rukuba near Jos, the GOC also warned officers and soldiers not to take sides in any conflict in the country, stressing that if they are found wanting, they would face the consequences of their action. (Daily Sun)